Despina "Nina" Kyres

Despina “Nina” Kyres, age 83 of Crown Point, IN (formerly of Merrillville), passed away on January 26, 2016. Despina was born in Johnstown, PA. Despina moved to Northwest Indiana in 1953 where she met her husband Sotiris (Sam). They owned and operated The Village Snack Shop, in Gary, IN and the Odyssey Restaurant in Merrillville, IN. Nina was affectionately known as “Mrs. Odyssey.” She was preceded in death by her parents, Eleni and Spiros Amorgianos. She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Sam Kyres; son Andrew S. Kyres of Crown Point, IN, daughter Maria (Larry) Pavlou of Wheaton, IL; grandchildren Melanie and Spiro Pavlou; sisters Bessie (late Elias) Gazis of Des Plaines, IL and Joan Irene Kolozenski (late Edmund) of Merrillville, IN; brothers-in-law Gust (Vassilike) Kyres of Rutherfordton, NC, Tom (Pamy) Kyres of Crown Point, IN, sisters-in-law Betty (Gus) Romas of Orland Park, IL, Maria (Kosta) Karonis and Petroula (Kosta) Galani of Greece; Godson George Christ, caregiver Michelle (John) Kelly, as well as many nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends. Nina was a life-long member of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral and the Ladies Philoptochos Society. In addition, Nina was a life-long member of the Daughters of Penelope and the BPW of Merrillville where she was named Woman of the Year. The joys in her life were entertaining, being with friends and family, and her church. Nina had a remarkable way of making any person she met feel welcome, included, and loved with her warmth and generous heart. She will be remembered most for always going out of her way and caring for others before herself. Nina’s approach to life was always with prayer and a positive attitude. Friends may visit with Nina’s family on Friday, January 29, 2016, from 1 - 8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, with a Trisagion Service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 8000 Madison St., Merrillville, IN, with Reverend Fathers Theodore Poteres, George Pappas, and William Conjelko officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Memorial donations may be submitted to the SS Constantine and Helen Ross Township Food Pantry or a charity of choice. www.burnsfuneral.com.

Despina "Nina" Kyres

December 17, 1932 - January 26, 2016